Fans face fight for Paolo tickets

Jul 21 2010 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

MUSIC fans who are desperate to see Paolo Nutini in action at his homecoming gig will have to pray they enjoy the luck of the draw – because the tickets are to be given away in a LOTTERY.

The Paisley Daily Express revealed earlier this month that Paolo is to perform a special concert in his home town on Tuesday, August 17.

Thousands of Buddies will be hoping to snap up tickets for the show at Paisley Town Hall, which is being recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

But the Express can now reveal that the tickets will NOT be put up for sale.

Instead, bosses at the Beeb have decided to give away the briefs for free as part of a random ballot.

It means that Buddies will face competition from Paolo’s fans across the country as they hope to be handed the chance to see the 23-year-old chart-topper up close and personal.

Presenter Jo Whiley will announce details of the ticket giveaway on her Radio 2 show tomorrow night.

A spokeswoman for Radio 2 told the Express: “Jo will launch the ticket giveaway to this very special event in this week’s Radio 2 In Concert show on Thursday, July 22, at 8pm, giving listeners details on how they can apply for tickets.

“Tickets are free and will be allocated at random.”

The Express has been inundated with calls from excited Buddies looking for information about Paolo’s homecoming concert since we broke the news that he is to perform in Paisley.

The former St Andrew’s Academy pupil will have travelled full circle when he performs at the 740-capacity town hall, where his talent was first uncovered back in 2003.

Paolo was just 15 when he headed along to the town hall to enjoy a homecoming event for Fame Academy winner David Sneddon.

As David was running late for the civic reception, Paolo got the chance to get up on stage and sing.

He wowed music manager Brendan Moon and the pair have worked together ever since.

Next month’s one-off gig at the town hall will be recorded by the Beeb and will be broadcast on the Radio 2 In Concert show on Thursday, August 19, starting at 8pm.

Paolo – who has sold millions of copies of his hit albums These Streets and Sunny Side Up – will be introduced on stage by presenter Jo before playing a string of his best-known songs.

Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2, said: “I’m delighted that Radio 2 In Concert is visiting Scotland for this very special event.

“Coming from Paolo’s home town of Paisley, this performance promises to be a unique experience for both those in the audience and for listeners tuning in at home.”

Anyone who wants to apply for tickets for Paolo’s gig will have to do so before Thursday, July 29.

Details on how to apply for tickets will be posted online on Radio 2’s website – bbc.co.uk/radio2 – from 8.15pm tomorrow.